Okaw Area Vocational Center
1109 N. 8th Street, Vandalia, IL 62471
Data: Illinois Nurse Aide Testing (SIU Carbondale, the state's exam vendor) approved list (April 2026); SIU Carbondale INACE 2025 annual cluster scores
- First-time pass rate
- 100%14 testers · 2025
- Vs state average
- +6.8points vs 93.24%
- Illinois rank
- #1of 234 programs (top 1%)
How Okaw Area Vocational Center graduates do on the CNA exam
100% of 14 first-time test-takers from Okaw Area Vocational Center passed the written CNA exam in 2025. That is 6.8 points above the Illinois average of 93.24% (all 301 listed programs with results, weighted by testers). It puts the program #1 of 234 Illinois programs with 10 or more testers (top 1%).
In 2024 only 7 first-time testers sat the exam (100% passed), too few to compare with 2025.
With 14 testers, one more or one fewer passing student moves the rate by about 7.1 points, so treat small differences with care. Illinois reports the written (knowledge) exam only; the skills test isn't included in this figure.
How Okaw Area Vocational Center stacks up
- Half of the 234 ranked Illinois programs had a first-time pass rate of at least 96.5% in 2025. At 100%, Okaw Area Vocational Center is in the top quarter.
- 175 of the 234 reached 90% or higher.
- It had 14 first-time testers; the middle ranked program had 36, so this is one of the smaller programs. Larger groups give a steadier rate.
- 3 other ranked programs are within 25 miles; none had a higher first-time pass rate in 2025.
Ranked programs are those with 10 or more first-time testers in the SIU Carbondale INACE 2025 annual cluster scores. Distances are straight-line between ZIP code centres.
Program details
| Approval | Illinois Nurse Aide Testing (SIU Carbondale, the state's exam vendor), program 0252 |
| Status | Approved (list dated April 2026) |
| Level | CNA I |
| Format | In person |
| Address | 1109 N. 8th Street, Vandalia, IL 62471 Fayette County |
| CNA median pay, Illinois | $45,960 a year ($22.10/hour, BLS) |
Call the program to confirm the next start date, schedule and total cost; the state lists don't publish prices.
Other approved CNA programs near Vandalia
| Program | City | Distance | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christopher High School | Christopher | 22 mi | — |
| Sandoval Community High School Dist. 501 | Sandoval | 22 mi | — |
| Hillsboro Community School District | Hillsboro | 23 mi | 92.3% |
| Hillsboro Community School District #3 | Hillsboro | 23 mi | 93.8% |
| Carlyle Healthcare & Senior Living-Hybrid | Carlyle | 24 mi | — |
| Salem Community High School | Salem | 25 mi | 100.0% |
Distances are straight-line between ZIP code centres. "—" means fewer than 10 testers or no published rate.
FAQ
What is Okaw Area Vocational Center's CNA exam pass rate?
100% of 14 first-time test-takers from Okaw Area Vocational Center passed the written CNA exam in 2025. That is 6.8 points above the Illinois average of 93.24% (all 301 listed programs with results, weighted by testers), and #1 of 234 Illinois programs with 10 or more testers.
Is Okaw Area Vocational Center a state-approved CNA program?
Yes. It is on the official list of approved nurse aide training programs (Illinois Nurse Aide Testing (SIU Carbondale, the state's exam vendor), April 2026) as program 0252. Finishing an approved program makes you eligible for the Illinois CNA exam.
How many hours of training does Illinois require?
120 hours: 62 theory, 18 skills lab, 40 clinical, with at least 12 hours on Alzheimer's and dementia care (77 Ill. Adm. Code 395.150). The exam is run by Southern Illinois University Carbondale (INACE).
How does Okaw Area Vocational Center compare with CNA programs nearby?
3 other ranked programs are within 25 miles; none had a higher first-time pass rate in 2025.
What other approved CNA programs are near Vandalia?
The closest are Christopher High School in Christopher (about 22 mi), Sandoval Community High School Dist. 501 in Sandoval (about 22 mi), Hillsboro Community School District in Hillsboro (about 23 mi, 92% pass rate). Distances are between ZIP code centres.